I didn't know much about this kid, and after doing some reading, it seems like he was pegged as a 4th line agitator who does his best work in the greasy areas. If he has somehow developed a scoring touch, Callahan is going to be dangerous.

I didn't know much about this kid, and after doing some reading, it seems like he was pegged as a 4th line agitator who does his best work in the greasy areas. If he has somehow developed a scoring touch, Callahan is going to be dangerous.

I don't know about that. He's still a grinder and projected fourth liner. If Griffins stats were that relevant, Emmerton would be our next big prospect with his points/game.

Callahan gets a lot of dirty goals. Hope he's at least given a shot next year.

"The leader must never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert."Vince Lombardi

When asked who won, Babcock said, “Well it doesn’t really matter as long as you don’t lose. It’s like going bear hunting, you take a slow guy with you in case the bear is hungry.”

I don't know about that. He's still a grinder and projected fourth liner. If Griffins stats were that relevant, Emmerton would be our next big prospect with his points/game.

Callahan gets a lot of dirty goals. Hope he's at least given a shot next year.

Emmerton never had more than 12 goals in a season and really only ever put up modest production. He was by no means considered "the next big thing" based on his AHL totals (because they weren't that impressive). While Callahan is definitely out performing expectations, I don't think that comparing him to a center that never produced much is fair. It's not unreasonable to think that Mitch could put up 20-25 goals this season, which is impressive for anyone at the AHL level. If most of those come from crashing the net, all the better. I don't think he'll be a force in the NHL or anything, but his knack for the net shouldn't be marginalized either.

Emmerton never had more than 12 goals in a season and really only ever put up modest production. He was by no means considered "the next big thing" based on his AHL totals (because they weren't that impressive). While Callahan is definitely out performing expectations, I don't think that comparing him to a center that never produced much is fair. It's not unreasonable to think that Mitch could put up 20-25 goals this season, which is impressive for anyone at the AHL level. If most of those come from crashing the net, all the better. I don't think he'll be a force in the NHL or anything, but his knack for the net shouldn't be marginalized either.

Emmerton was a bad example. My point was he still has the skillset of a grinder. That hasn't magically changed. He's not all of a sudden "dangerous".

Above average for the AHL for sure but he's an older player. He should be a leader on that team with the amount of rookies on it. Especially if he expects to make the Wings next year.

"The leader must never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert."Vince Lombardi

When asked who won, Babcock said, “Well it doesn’t really matter as long as you don’t lose. It’s like going bear hunting, you take a slow guy with you in case the bear is hungry.”

Emmerton was a bad example. My point was he still has the skillset of a grinder. That hasn't magically changed. He's not all of a sudden "dangerous".

Above average for the AHL for sure but he's an older player. He should be a leader on that team with the amount of rookies on it. Especially if he expects to make the Wings next year.

Yeah, I agree that he's likely just having a freakishly good year by his standards. But, it's not unheard of for a guy with good skating and a willingness to go to the net to bag a decent amount (for the fourth line) of goals at the NHL level. If we could get solid agitating, defense, and energy out of him I'd be thrilled. If he could chip in 8-10 goals on top of that, I'd keep him on the fourth line for indefinitely. We'll have to wait and see, but I am really looking forward to him getting some time on the big club. In the future, if our fourth line were Callahan-Ferraro-Abby I'd be pleased as punch.

I don't know about that. He's still a grinder and projected fourth liner. If Griffins stats were that relevant, Emmerton would be our next big prospect with his points/game.

Callahan gets a lot of dirty goals. Hope he's at least given a shot next year.

I want to be clear that I'm not projecting him to be a top 6 forward who knows how to fight and play hard ala Lucic. But to have a bottom six guy who has a scoring touch could be quite invaluable to this team. Babs and Holland preach responsible and productive hockey above all else. Callahan may be able to contribute where it matters most, while at the same time playing a greasy style game, which as LGW points out every 45 minutes, we lack.
I don't think we have a reliable player who can score dirty goals in front of the net. Cleary used to be that guy. Abby is sorta there, but he keeps switching lines and his role has changes accordingly. Helm when he's healthy. Callahan may be able to fit that role, but also specialize in it. That could be dangerous.

Not only do I log onto LGW at least once per day and have never heard Callahan referred to as Dirty Harry, but LGW isn't meant to cater exclusively to hardcore forum posters. Nicknames are supposed to make it easier to discuss the team, not to prove how funny and clever you are. Making up nicknames that no one else uses is obnoxious and unnecessary. Watch...

It looks like Yellow Mustard is going to miss some time after catching that elbow last night against the Sabres. Its really bad timing too, because our defense already thin with Big Poppa out with a concussion and Bandit serving his 5 game suspension. I would say this forces us to call up someone from GR, most likely Billy the Kid or The Player Formerly Known As Steve. We might be in trouble on the back end until we get some regulars back, since this leaves the Boogeyman as our #1 defenseman. And you know what that means!!!!

Yeah, I agree that he's likely just having a freakishly good year by his standards. But, it's not unheard of for a guy with good skating and a willingness to go to the net to bag a decent amount (for the fourth line) of goals at the NHL level. If we could get solid agitating, defense, and energy out of him I'd be thrilled. If he could chip in 8-10 goals on top of that, I'd keep him on the fourth line for indefinitely. We'll have to wait and see, but I am really looking forward to him getting some time on the big club. In the future, if our fourth line were Callahan-Ferraro-Abby I'd be pleased as punch.

I want to be clear that I'm not projecting him to be a top 6 forward who knows how to fight and play hard ala Lucic. But to have a bottom six guy who has a scoring touch could be quite invaluable to this team. Babs and Holland preach responsible and productive hockey above all else. Callahan may be able to contribute where it matters most, while at the same time playing a greasy style game, which as LGW points out every 45 minutes, we lack.
I don't think we have a reliable player who can score dirty goals in front of the net. Cleary used to be that guy. Abby is sorta there, but he keeps switching lines and his role has changes accordingly. Helm when he's healthy. Callahan may be able to fit that role, but also specialize in it. That could be dangerous.

There's no doubt that Callahan, Sheahan and to a lesser extent Ferraro are all going to be coming up at the right time as some others are on their way out. Excited to see what they can do.

I'd like us to add another grinder of irish descent to make FA - Sheahan - Callahan and call it the "Irish Hand Grenade"

"The leader must never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert."Vince Lombardi

When asked who won, Babcock said, “Well it doesn’t really matter as long as you don’t lose. It’s like going bear hunting, you take a slow guy with you in case the bear is hungry.”

been saying for weeks he should be up here and playing a few games to see how he handles the nhl , dont expect him to be a goal scorer but i think he'll be a gritty in your face player which we need .. he should be called up

Emmerton never had more than 12 goals in a season and really only ever put up modest production. He was by no means considered "the next big thing" based on his AHL totals (because they weren't that impressive). While Callahan is definitely out performing expectations, I don't think that comparing him to a center that never produced much is fair. It's not unreasonable to think that Mitch could put up 20-25 goals this season, which is impressive for anyone at the AHL level. If most of those come from crashing the net, all the better. I don't think he'll be a force in the NHL or anything, but his knack for the net shouldn't be marginalized either.

I disagree that it is unfair to compare him to Emmerton. They're playing in the same league now. And, in that league, a 'center that never produced much' has a better point per game average than Callahan (by a good bit). Also, Emmerton may not have ever scored more than 12 goals in a season... but he's on pace for well over that now. Insert Callahan's name in for Emmerton's in the previous sentence and it is still true.

Just to be 100% clear - I have no issues with Callahan, btw. And, I wouldn't mind him getting a chance in Detroit.

Callahan is playing lower in the line up than guys like Ferraro or Sheahan. He usually plays with someone like Triston Grant. He doesnt get regular PP time (did get some when there were call ups) but does play the PK. Callahan is outscoring Sheahan and Ferraro while getting way less opportunity on the PP and with less skilled linemates. Hes essentially playing the exact role he would in the NHL on grand rapids, whereas Sheahan and Ferraro are playing more of a scorers role.

Callahan is arguably the most trusted winger down there defensively. Hes out at the end of games when the other team has the goalie out and everything. Overall I do like how Sheahan has played since his call up and he has looked great, but between Callahan and Ferraro I'm not sure who should really have the edge. Both are fast (Ferraro has elite speed) but Callahan adds more of that rugged play and seems to put the puck in more.

All three should be on the team next year. They all deserve a chance. Callahan looks like a better play than Tootoo down in GR. And if the wings want to be tougher you need to keep Callahan. Hes cheap, homegrown toughness that you dont need to overspend on in free agency for guys like Tootoo

I disagree that it is unfair to compare him to Emmerton. They're playing in the same league now. And, in that league, a 'center that never produced much' has a better point per game average than Callahan (by a good bit). Also, Emmerton may not have ever scored more than 12 goals in a season... but he's on pace for well over that now. Insert Callahan's name in for Emmerton's in the previous sentence and it is still true.

Just to be 100% clear - I have no issues with Callahan, btw. And, I wouldn't mind him getting a chance in Detroit.

I don't disagree with anything you say. You'd have to reread the post I was referencing. Someone had suggested that based on his AHL point totals, Emmerton would have been considered "the next big thing" while in the AHL, which is untrue. Neither he, nor Callahan, would (or should) be considered such. I don't mind Emmerton and I don't mind Callahan, but I don't think it's fair to say of Callahan, "until he proves it at the NHL level he's just like Emmerton, because Emmerton was the next big thing too". Emmerton wasn't, and thankfully neither is Callahan.